THE ENEMY'S PLAYGROUND

"Prime Alove" l spoke in a dignified and respectful way to the man who was orchestrating my demise but l couldn't let it be known that l knew of his plans or else that would shorten my life span to a great deal

"Fancy seeing you in these parts" he smiled but l knew behind the sweet smile flashed in my direction was an evil heart and cold soul. A person who put their selfish ambitions above everyone else

" I was talking to the King" l said a bit too quickly, he raised his eyebrows at this as a smirk coated his red lips

"In his bedroom? You two seem rather close huh" l could tell what he was insinuating but l wouldn't give him the satisfaction of reducing me to a cheap tramp

" Most Kings are close to their subjects, it's part of the job description. I would assume that you would know this considering your close relationship with the King, if you would excuse me l would like to get back to my room, enjoy your day" with a bow l started my journey to my room

" Your room is the other way" he called out to me causing me to groan out loud at the same time my belly cried out in anguish at being deprived food

"I will walk with you, l also need to fill my roaring tiger" he said rubbing his stomach with a little teasing smile. I smiled in his direction while silently cursing at being in such close proximity with the man who hated my guts with a burning passion

Just as we were turning the corner the door to Ryden's room opened revealing a disheveled Maya who luckily didn't notice us and went in the opposite direction

"The joys of being a King, you get to experience the wonders of the world" Prime Alove said laughing, his eyes twinkling with joy as if he had just won the biggest prize on earth. He was trying to get a rise out of me but my relationship with Ryden was strictly professional. I simply smiled, nodding my head to his statement keeping my head high while his stare slightly wavered

We walked in silence until we reached the kitchen were Rose was sitting on one of the stools too engrossed in staring out the window to notice our presence in the kitchen

"Rose" l called out to which she make no to move to acknowledge my presence

"Rose" l called out again, louder than the last timw

"Akia, l have been looking all over for you, you nearly gave me a heart attack" she said running over to where l was standing wrapping her loving arms around my frame

"I had a talk with the king. He informed me that our trip has been extended by a day. Did you know this?" l asked her while she simply stared blankly at me

"No l didn't, why the change? He was adamant that we leave today" she said out loud however none of us knew why he had a sudden change of heart but l had a hunch

"Some men know how to appreciate the treasures of this world, wouldn't you say Rose" Prime Alove remarked giving away his hand of involvement in the entire ordeal

"what are you talking about?" she asked him

"l will see you ladies later. Take care of our soldier Rose" Prime Alove said before disappearing deep within the walls of the castle

"what was he going on about"

"Maya and Hilden seem to be involved." l said sighing out loud. The weight of her previous words had weighed heavy on my heart when she herself was doing the exact same thing she was accusing me of

"That can't be" Rose denied

"I went to his room earlier on and he was hiding someone underneath his sheets, it wasn't long after that Maya emerged from his room looking rather rugged. What other explanation could there be" My ears refused to hear the words coming out of my mouth as my mind was unable to process the events. He had a right to do whatever pleased him

"It is a misunderstanding. I know my King, he would never get involved with the help, especially those of an ally" l didn't have any desire to continue the conversation so l kept my thoughts to myself

"Let's go for a walk in the gardens, l need some fresh air" l said before taking off in the direction of the front doors with Rose hot on my trail

"Rose?" l called out to the woman

"Yes?"

"Do l really look like Queen Manila?" l asked her the dreaded question, l didn't think l could handle the truth of her words because it would only be confirmation of what Prime Alove had said

"It's hard to say, the most prominent feature similar between you both is your skin colour other than that l can't say for sure. I was her lady in waiting but her face was always concealed only her husband and those close to her know what she really looked like, why do you ask?" l had never heard of a queen who concealed her face from her subjects, was it because she was ashamed of what she looked like or was she hiding something

" Everyone keeps saying l look like her, so l grew a tad bit curious. There have been a few new developments and because of this we can't afford to spend another day here, can you convince Ryden?" l couldn't give too much away because there were too many forces lurking in the shadows

"what new developments?" she asked

"I can't talk about it out here but l am in grave danger. The enemy is hidden in plain sight but l have no power to defend myself against his schemes that's why we need to leave" l said hoping she would catch on to what l was saying

" Should l escort you back to your quarters?" she asked although it wasn't as discreet as she had hoped

"Akia, Rose would like to have tea in the chalet. There is nothing better than a cup on tea in a field of roses" Queen Ranthoja spoke out of the blue startling us with her presence while my heart hammered out of my chest at the possibility of her finding out what was exchanged between Rose and l